After 43 minutes of stage time during a season-ending press conference, LSU coach Johnny Jones tied the bow on the 2015-16 season.
Jones began with an eight-minute opening statement which touched on LSU’s 33-point loss to the Southeastern Conference Tournament’s runner-up Texas A&M, in the semifinals on Saturday. He also spoke on the Tigers forgoing their chance to compete in a postseason tournament and where the fault lies for a seemingly underwhelming season.
“It was embarrassing,” Jones said of LSU’s historic 71-38 loss. “That was the first time I’ve ever been in a game like that, where the ball just doesn’t drop for us.”
Jones captained the Tigers to a 19-14 overall record and an 11-7 record in conference play. LSU’s semifinal appearance was one step higher than where last season’s NCAA Tournament team finished in the 2015 SEC Tournament.
Jones claimed full responsibility for the defeat and an unfulfilling season to many.
“I’m disappointed we’re here and not playing at some NCAA site,” Jones said. “I was excited to coach this team this year. Unfortunately, we fell short of the mark. I assume all responsibility.”
Jones, the Tigers’ four-year coach, said LSU’s decision to void any postseason tournament appearance was made after consulting with LSU’s coaching staff and team captains.
Jones conversed with fifth-year senior guard Keith Hornsby, who left the team on Feb. 20 against Tennessee with an eventual season-ending injury, and decided the Tigers would not be able to “represent” LSU to its full capacity. Hornsby and freshman guard Antonio Blakeney were injured and ill, respectively, furthering the decision to not compete in any postseason tournament.
On Friday, Blakeney told The Daily Reveille he struggled breathing and controlling his stomach with what he called a “flu-like” illness before, during and after LSU’s SEC quarterfinal matchup against Tennessee.
Blakeney’s health had continued to decline after the tournament concluded.
Jones said the medical team continued to heavily monitor Blakeney’s status and eventually considered admitting the rookie guard into the hospital as his illness continued to worsen.
Jones said the Tiger players comprehended the withdrawal from any postseason tournament.
“They understood exactly what the NIT is all about,” Jones said. “I have a great deal of respect for it.”
Blakeney is one of LSU’s three most professional-ready players, along with freshman forward Ben Simmons and junior guard Tim Quarterman.
Coaching Simmons, in likely his only year at LSU, was a joy for Jones, he said.
“Not a lot of coaches go a lifetime with coaching the No. 1 high school player in the country,” Jones said. “We already know we may lose one for sure.”
Jones said Simmons has yet to make an official announcement regarding his future and has not seen or spoken with Simmons since Sunday.
Jones said Quarterman has expressed previous interest in becoming a professional player, which he now has a chance to do. In a recent mock draft by draftexpress.com, Quarterman was listed as the 57th overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies.
“Tim has an opportunity to go play professionally,” Jones said. “He [may] go all in. That’s something he’s been trying to explore.”
As for Blakeney, he’s undecided, but the future may be filled with looming questions.
Jones said Blakeney isn’t focusing on the upcoming NBA Draft right now.
When asked, Jones said he had yet to meet with LSU athletic director Joe Alleva since the ending of the season. Alleva, a member of the NCAA Tournament’s selection committee, hasn’t been available to meet, but the two have spoken since the defeat.
“I know he was not thrilled and excited with how things ended,” Jones said. “We feel the same way. We all wanted more. We fell short.”
Jones also confirmed LSU brought in speakers, coaches and figures to help build and improve the team’s chemistry during the season.
Jones was asked about — and nearly confirmed — a report of Dr. Joe Carr, a renowned sports psychologist, visiting LSU and addressing the team’s chemistry issues. In 2014, Carr worked with UConn during its national championship run.
“We always want to help our guys grow,” Jones said. “Anytime we can bring someone else in, we’ll do that.”
As expected, Jones responded to the nation-wide criticism and whether he was worried about his job security.
“I have a job to focus on, some young men I’m trying to prepare and get ready,” he said. “I don’t worry about people judging me.”
You can reach Christian Boutwell on Twitter: @CBoutwell_TDR.